Miltown Malbay Boys National School
Miltown Malbay, Clare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 128 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 69 girls, 59 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18720K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Joseph’s National School, Miltown Malbay, is a co‑educational primary school serving the community on the outskirts of Miltown Malbay, County Clare. The school occupies a bright, warm and user‑friendly building on Mullagh Road that was originally constructed in 1963 and fully refurbished in 2008, providing a comfortable and safe learning environment for pupils from junior infants to sixth class. The school operates with a team of six full‑time teachers, including classroom staff and a dedicated learning‑support teacher, delivering the full national curriculum alongside a rich programme of extra‑curricular activities. Pupils benefit from weekly French lessons, Irish traditional music sessions, swimming lessons at Lahinch Seaworld, and after‑school Gaelic football coaching. A strong Green Schools ethos is evident through an active committee and the school’s status as an “Active School” since 2013, proudly displaying its blue flag. Regular educational and recreational outings, such as trips to Glór in Ennis, woodland walks and farm visits, further enrich the pupils’ experience.
History
St Joseph’s National School was established in 1963 to serve the Miltown Malbay community. The original building underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2008, resulting in a modern, bright and welcoming facility. In 2013 the school officially became an Active School, earning a blue flag that recognises its commitment to health, wellbeing and environmental sustainability. These milestones reflect the school’s ongoing dedication to providing a supportive and progressive educational setting.
Applying to Miltown Malbay Boys National School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
View Miltown Malbay Boys National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Miltown Malbay Boys National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Miltown Malbay Boys National School
How many pupils attend Miltown Malbay Boys National School?
Miltown Malbay Boys National School has 128 pupils enrolled, 69 girls and 59 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Miltown Malbay Boys National School a DEIS school?
No. Miltown Malbay Boys National School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Miltown Malbay Boys National School?
Miltown Malbay Boys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.